Chapter 219 The Marriage Certificate
"We're heading out now," Pearl said.
"Alright, hope to see you again soon," Nova replied.
Oscar glanced at the kids and, before leaving, asked, "Remember what to call us?"
"Uncle Oscar, Aunt Pearl!" the kids shouted in unison.
They were so polite.
Oscar continued, "And if you don't call us Uncle Oscar and Aunt Pearl, what should you call us?"
"Oscar and Pearl!" the kids chimed in.
They'd been taught this over ten times and finally got it.
Pearl looked at Oscar. This little trick made him smile.
"Uncle Oscar, Aunt Pearl, may you be happy forever!" the kids said again in unison.
Pearl was taken aback. "What do you mean by that?"
"Uncle just said you're his wife, so we can't call you casually," the kids explained.
Pearl was momentarily at a loss for words.
Initially, she didn't understand Oscar's intentions.
So that was the situation.
But why was he spreading the word that she was his wife now?
Before Pearl could respond, Nova smiled and remarked, "Pearl, I never imagined you were so young and already married. With a supportive husband like Mr. Brown backing your career, I'm certain you'll have a lifetime of happiness."
"I..." Pearl wanted to explain they were no longer married, but Nova continued, "I've never seen a man support his wife's career like Mr. Brown does. Just for your interview, he prepared so many things. He even told me that if I ever need anything, he would help. Meeting you has been a blessing in my life."
Nova didn't know how to thank Pearl enough.
Nova had said many kind words before, all sincerely, but really had no way to repay them.
"I don't know how to repay you, so I just wish you and Mr. Brown a lifetime of happiness together!" Nova sincerely hoped they would be loving forever.
Seeing Nova so happy and constantly expressing gratitude, Pearl swallowed the words she was about to say and just smiled.
Then they left.
Pearl didn't quite understand and asked, "Why did you tell them I am your wife?"
Oscar rolled down his sleeves, feeling a weight lifted off his chest. He replied, "I was telling the truth."
"How is that the truth?" Pearl dismissed it. "I remember putting the divorce agreement on the table. As far as I'm concerned, we're already divorced."
Oscar looked at Pearl. "Are you disregarding the law?"
"What's the point if the person is there but the heart isn't?" Pearl reiterated.
Oscar said, "I think it matters."
Pearl looked at him, having nothing more to say, and emphasized, "Whether you want the divorce or not, as far as I'm concerned, we are already divorced. Even if we haven't obtained the divorce certificate, living separately for two years proves that our marriage lacks love. It can be ended. I hope you won't persist any longer!"
Pearl wanted Oscar to understand that their loveless marriage should end, forcing it was meaningless.
She was no longer the Pearl who obeyed him in everything without complaint.
Oscar remained silent, showing no intention of continuing the discussion.
Seeing this, Pearl felt upset and didn't want to be in the same car with him, saying coldly, "Stop the car!"
Oscar remained silent again.
The driver didn't stop either.
It was as if they had already treated her as air.
Pearl repeated, "I said stop the car, didn't you hear me?"
"This place is remote. If you get out, you'll have to walk several miles to reach the city. Don't be stubborn," Oscar said, leaning against the car window, eyes fixed outside.
Pearl glanced at the road; it was indeed very secluded. She estimated it would take her several hours to walk.
It was already evening.
There might even be wild animals around.
For her safety, she didn't argue further.
Sometimes, discretion is the better part of valor.
The car stopped in front of the TV station. Oscar looked at the sign above the station and asked softly, "Your station is planning to interview me soon."
"Is that so?" Pearl responded.
Oscar's deep eyes looked at her. "Why not you?"
Pearl didn't mention that she had declined. "Interviewing someone like you isn't my job. I've only been here for less than ten days. The work I can do is just to write a few words to reflect the social situation."
Oscar chose to believe her for now, but he came here for her sake.
He thought for a moment and then asked lightly, "An exclusive interview with me would be very helpful to you, wouldn't it?"
Pearl didn't say anything but looked at him in confusion. What did he mean by that? Was he actually considering her?
But he was always so busy with work; it seemed unlikely he would be so thoughtful for her.
At this moment, Pearl heard someone calling her, "Pearl."
Pearl immediately turned around and saw Adrian standing not far away. She didn't know how long Adrian had been waiting there.
"Adrian." Pearl waved at him. "Why are you here?"
Adrian closed the car door. "I heard you got a new job and was worried you might not be used to it, so I came to check on you. It seems I was overthinking."
Adrian's gaze turned to Oscar, and he said warmly, "What a coincidence, Mr. Brown is also here."
Oscar saw Adrian and felt uncomfortable all over. Originally, Oscar wanted to leave, but now he couldn't. Oscar said coldly, "Mr. Egan, meeting you here shouldn't be a coincidence."
"You're right. I came specifically to see Pearl." Adrian didn't hide it. "I wanted to have dinner with her."
Oscar's face turned cold. He and Adrian locked eyes, and the message Adrian conveyed was that he intended to pursue Pearl.
Oscar adjusted his suit, his gaze deep and cold. "Perfect, I haven't eaten either. Let's go together!"
Pearl remained silent, neither confirming nor denying, but found herself being pulled along to dinner.
She sensed the tension in the air during the meal.
She seemed to become a bystander, watching the contest between Oscar and Adrian.
Oscar poured a glass of red wine and said in a mocking tone, "Mr. Egan, if you're inviting my wife to dinner, shouldn't you ask me first? After all, I am Pearl's husband!"
Adrian laughed. "As far as I know, you and Pearl are divorced. Without love, one shouldn't force it. People shouldn't be too selfish; everyone has the right to pursue happiness."
Oscar retorted, "And the happiness you're talking about is with you?"
Adrian didn't want to hide anymore. He knew Pearl had moved out, and he wanted to make an effort for himself.
Adrian took a sip of red wine. "I think so."
Oscar sneered, extending his hand, "Bring it out!"
Harold, who was standing behind, received the order and took something out from the inner lining of his suit, wrapped in several layers, and handed it to Oscar.
Seeing how securely it was wrapped, Adrian asked, "Mr. Brown, what is that?"
Oscar replied, "It's my marriage certificate!"